Daughter of the Sea: Sisterhood in the Sea | Patagonia Films

For Jaeyoun Kim, the ocean is more than a connection to family; it’s a path to healing. Patagonia Films’ Daughter of the Sea follows Jaeyoun, who leaves her island home in South Korea to pursue a more traditional career path in Seoul. But as her mental health begins to unravel and depression sets in, she decides to join the haenyeo, Jeju Island’s famed “women of the sea.” For centuries, these free divers and fisherwomen-some in their 80s-have dived more than 30 feet to gather seafood for their families and villages. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Jaeyoun learns what it means to become a haenyeo and why returning to the ocean ultimately saves her.
Content Warning
This film includes discussions of depression and suicide. While we have done our best to explore these topics conscientiously, remember that we are looking through the lens of a single person’s experience. Please take care of yourself as you watch and find support if you are struggling with these topics.
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At Patagonia, we appreciate that all life on earth is under threat of extinction. We’re using the resources we have-our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations-to do something about it.

[@bradgantt1818]

What a beautiful story. So glad that the sea, and haenyeo community provided the healing, Jaeyoun needed.

[@ross6343]

Jaeyoun Kim's story is another affirmation that the Earth's Nature [soul/spirit] permeates through we humans - we are one. When we humans ignore that connection of oneness, we do so at our peril. Jaeyoun is blessed to have an Aunt who wisely reminded Jaeyoun to reconnect to that oneness - I'm so happy for Jaeyoun! Thank you Jaryoun for allowing your story to be a reminder to other humans about our oneness with Earth's Nature! Namaste...

[@janices6140]

This is beautiful. The connection of family and how nature can heal us, if we allow it to.

[@thomasdecarlo8543]

I know exactly … exactly how she felt. 30 years in the corporate world because my parents and family insisted it and the titles that went with it was the only thing to do, the only way to live life, the only thing respectable, the only thing they woukd support (and they didn’t even,pay for my college even though they could). I hated every day if it, I hated every minute of it. I hated the jobs, the companies, the culture, the people I worked with. I drank too much to deal with it. Actually feared going to sleep because I would have to wake up and go to work and do it all again. Every day of the week I wished to be Friday.I wished my life away for 30 years. 30 years of my life wasted and for what … a nod from my parents, family, society.

[@DameSmaragdine]

It is never too late... you are blessed for having understood that it was not your path, now it is time for you to have courage! ...and could you forgive your family who certainly was thinking and wishing you the best... These 30 years certainly are not wasted, you understood a lot about yourself, others, and life... it is just a question of changing direction. It will not be easy, but fantastically challenging! When you discover your real place in the world, the universe will do anything for you to reach it, so... be confident! I send you my best positive vibes

[@petersenjessem]

This made me cry, I miss the ocean so much. I can’t wait to move back to it. What a touching and beautiful film. Thank you for sharing such a personal story about your life and mental health Jaeyoun ❤❤❤ You are an inspiration to me.

[@louispoulain]

Wonderful movie about wonderful women, thank you Patagonia and the production team. Underwater shots are amazing

[@13VisionsLLC]

Such an important film to share with the word. The power of our ocean mother and the medicine that she imparts could only be understood by those who have a respectful and reciprocal relationship with her. All Indigenous peoples of the continents from Africa to Australia and America to Asia practiced this. We must all go back to these ways in order to save what is left of our humanity. The land and the waters will continue to do what they must to heal themselves, even if it means cleansing herself from destructive energy forces that extract, abuse and disrespect her.

[@lianerogers2665]

Excellent, elegantly, beautiful. She received healing. Communion with family, and sisterhood.

[@dahnyul]

So beautiful! Thank you for creating this! It is such a common struggle, and then to find that connection with nature is so immense. I have felt that myself with hunting for wild mushrooms. Thank you for this, it is deeply settling and wonderful to see! A beautiful story.

[@danielcasado6431]

My new favorite Patagonia film.

[@wildwondernature]

Such a powerful, personal testament to the life-giving power of the sea. I loved the marked distinction between the “death” of the brain on a corporate life path, contrasted by the body’s enormously strong will to live among the ocean realms. Stunningly shot, as well! 👏👏👏

[@StudioSteep]

Fantastic shots, very relatable story for my family too. Seeing haenyeo on Jeju was very humbling for me years ago. What better compliment than to be called a creature of the sea?

[@mihaelam8339]

A lovely film. I love all your freediving content especially.

[@C345OFR]

I don't know if it was deliberate or not from GC Johnson/Acoustic Labs, but the single piano key strike reminded me a lot of of 'Waiting for the End' by Linkin Park, a song about mental health/death sung by Chester Bennington (who ultimately succumbed to his own mental health issues)...

[@ReflectionsofLife]

Incredibly beautiful - thank you.

[@chinobandito7625]

HOLYYY MOLYYY her grandmother kept diving until she was 95??????? That is insane considering that most people in their 90s are pretty dormant and dont have much energy to even walk far.

[@marvaldes-wm9sj]

So touching, I hope this endures many generations more. Giving our best energy from here!

[@Kari-of2ub]

Your films are a joy to watch. Please keep making things like this! What a beautiful and moving story!

[@TokkiTreasure]

Such a touching story. Highly recommend the book “Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See for anyone who found this film fascinating

[@jennifermerrell9857]

this is beautiful. thank you for sharing this story!

[@danielvogt9925]

Excellent!! thank you for putting all your hard work into sharing this powerful story. Rich with the truth. 😊🦦🤙🏾

[@tuftofflowers]

I had goosebumps. Thank you so much for sharing this

[@erickwon6648]

Wonderful story! Loving the call to nature to witness the beauty along!

[@alifinance2576]

A beautiful story. Thank you ❤

[@greggardner1930]

Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MacCommII]

A beautiful story of how healing nature can be. Thank you for creating and sharing.

[@patatemoelleuse4633]

I'm going to Jeju tomorrow, this was already scheduled. Seeing this movie moved me so much, it was so beautiful, I just want to appreciate watching the haenyeo 🙏

[@patagonia]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@patatemoelleuse4633]

@@patagonia I will be even more fascinated!

[@choubididou]

really beautiful movie and story. it moves me

[@l.c.1224]

Wonderful thank you for sharing!

[@nicolealfonso642]

To be able to find your path back to your roots, amongst the natural, living world. I'm hopeful that I'm paving the path back to mine, and I hope many more will find theirs 🌀

[@huge915]

좋은 필름 감사합니다. 너무 아름다워요..

[@nicodiver]

muy emocionante , por más que sea otra cultura trasciende el espíritu al mar. excelente trabajo... y excelente realización.

[@anapozas328]

This is great! Love seeing how important stories are being shared through these mediums! Thanks Patagonia

[@patagonia]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@grpp1984]

대한민국의 해녀분들이 자랑스럽습니다

[@tk986]

Bellissima storia, solo ammirazione!

[@Kaioj3]

Wonderful video 😊

[@DKHolbrook11]

Awesome..

[@colinarisman4003]

so good!

[@stevenmak242]

Beautiful video! Please put chinese caption, many thanks in advance 🙃

[@user-ov5oh3zw8p]

백년손님 박서방 장모님도 나오시네요. 제주도 사투리가 매우 정겹게 느껴져요.

[@gimeunha]

Hi, thank you for this beautiful film. I am leaving this message as I don’t know where to ask, but can I show this film for strictly non-commercial purpose? I would be more than willing to share more details about the audience, occasion, etc. Thank you in advance for your response!

[@jorgebenitez8869]

Precioso trabajo, me ha encantado.

[@cristii7513]

Thanks to the series welcome to salmaldari I was able to reach this type of content ❤

[@yuanzhang2737]

Sometimes we can just live with which can make you breath,sometimes the ocean,sometimes the moutains,eg.

[@deroux]

❤

[@julenelorza2903]

this

[@Smbe08]

이런 바다에 일본 정부는 핵폐기물 오염수를 투기하려 하고 비정상적인 한국정부는 구경만 하는 것으로 일본 정부를 돕고 있습니다. 우리 이제 제주 바다에 갈 수 없냐고 아이가 물을 때마다 아빠로서 너무 마음이 아프고 화가 납니다.